A resident in the Greater Sudbury community of Capreol has dedicated much of her time to helping the homeless in her community.
Crystal Richer started helping the most vulnerable in her community two years ago. She lost her job after breaking her back at work, which resulted in three surgeries.
Richer said it was a reality check that initially brought her to start to help out the vulnerable in her community.
"I had a moment where I was really cold and tired and complaining and then realized with a lot of guilt in my heart that they weren't going home to a warm house, weren’t going home to a comfortable bed," she said.
"So I made the decision to start giving people food."
Richer said she also has seen family members and loved ones experience homelessness.
"Not knowing how tough it actually was on them until I got out there and realized … it’s not an easy world to live in, and someone needs to do something," she said.
Richer said she started by handing out cups of soup, then ran a blanket drive and gradually progressed to doing their laundry. She also helps connect them to community supports, which includes housing applications, medical appointments and medications.
She is currently helping three people, after most have gone on to find housing or other supports.
Tyler Webster is someone she helps. He became homeless a number of months ago after becoming injured. He was unable to work at his labour-intensive job and said one thing led to another.
Richer provides him with food and clothing. He said he appreciates the emotional support.
"She's been a great help, especially me being out there for not having any people or anyone to talk to out there," he said.
"I do have the odd people in my family that'll help, but there's not much they can do as they do have their own lives."
Richer said if she is unable to help someone in need, she'll contact organizations like Red Coats or the Go-Give Project for support.
Above all, she said she's someone for them to talk to, many who otherwise feel alone.
"There are days I've been having a bad day and they are there for me," Richer said.
"Vice versa, there's days where they're very upset and don’t see anything for the future and I remind them of their future and I remind them that things will change."
She said some have gone on to find jobs and homes.
"I helped one gentleman who was going through a rough time. He now has a house, he now has a job. He's updating his business degree," Richer said.
'SOMEONE TO BE COMPASSIONATE'
"It just takes someone to be compassionate and believe in them to allow them to take that foot forward."
Additionally, she provides a hot meal seven days a week. All of the food, clothing and items she receives are donated by residents in Capreol through a community page on Facebook.
"When my pantry is low, when I need warm clothing and blankets. I put it out there and everyone in the community comes together," she said.
"The community is fantastic."
Gail Spencer, Greater Sudbury’s manager of housing, stability and homelessness, said there are currently 248 people on the city's by-name list. Six are registered in Capreol.
Spencer said many individuals experiencing homelessness are downtown where they can access resources, but not exclusively.
"When someone becomes unhoused, they do need to access not only a shelter or warmth but basic needs such as washrooms or food, and those services tend to be in the downtown core," she said.
"A lot of people who become unhoused from an outer community may end up coming downtown to access those types of services but we do see people becoming unhoused in all communities."
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Spencer said the city offers support to outer communities through its community outreach team.
"They'll go out in a van, offer them services, supports, offer them flex funds where they can get to a family member or friend," she said.
Richer said she hopes for a day where she won't have to help anyone at all, but will continue supporting those in need until that day comes.
